Two swimmer siblings from Kent have been globetrotting in search of glory this week.

Thomas and Anna Leman, both from Royal Tunbridge Wells Monson Swimming Club travelled to Belgium, the home country of their mother, Ria, for the 2014 Championats De Belgique Natation (Belgian Age Group Championships).

12-year-old Thomas competed in three individual events during the three day championship, which started on Friday, July 18 and opened on the first day of competition with a solid swim in the 100m Freestyle.

The Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys pupil set a new personal best
and later that day returned for his main event, the 100m breaststroke.
Ranked fastest on the programme by just 0.7 seconds he swam a strong race
to finish first in 1:18.99, a 1.5 second PB and his first national gold
medal.

11-year-old Anna, who attends Pembury Primary School, also favours breaststroke and was not to be outdone by her brother improving 14 places on her seed with an 8 second PB to take the bronze medal.

Both swimming stars currently hold dual nationality after they gained Belgium passports through their mother.

Proud dad, Mark, said: "Both of their performances could not have made me prouder.

"Anna swam the race of her life in my opinion, and Thomas had so much pressure on him so he did incredibly well.

"It is really important to me and my wife, Ria, that our children are proud of where their mother comes from and we want to immerse them in the culture as much as we can."

Both children are part of a swimming club in Belgium and were invited to the championships.

The family, of Woodhill Park in Pembury, visit Ria's hometown often and plan to continue their link with the Belgium club in regards to future events.

Monson are currently recruiting 7, 8 and 9-year-old boys and girls for the Monson Academy.

For more information or to join, visit: www.rtwmonson.org